Managing Pressure.
One of my teenage students in Warrior Kids has been hammered at school. A high achiever and naturally ambitious, he is being told that he isn’t doing enough. That he has to push himself. That he could achieve more if he applies himself. That he has to think about his future. That he should have already chosen his job, and know the path that he has to take. That he needs to study and pass.
Study and pass. It all has to be done now.
The teenager has found this overwhelming. Rather than feeling empowered, he has felt lost and deflated. Having been a self-led learner his whole life, he has become reluctant, unmotivated and depressed. Quick to tears and anger. In his mind he was no longer good enough.
He sought my support. This was my response
‘The challenge here is not about your education, the challenge is how you manage pressure. You will face pressure throughout your life.
How do you climb a mountain?
One step at a time.
Don’t take onboard the pressure of others. Don’t listen to them.
Breathe.
You don’t need to have all the answers now. You have time to work out what you want to do. Aim for what you want to achieve at this time, and just focus on what is in front of you. Don’t let the other voices in.’
The pressure he was feeling subsided during our work together. The weight lifted and he came back to his self.
I believe in this young man. I know that he will go on to do amazing things, and thrive under pressure that serves him.
Learning to manage pressure is a challenge for us all
With love
Tim
This article was first published on Facebook and Linkedin August 8, 2021.
Copyright© Tim Tipene, 2021.